Background on Prime Minister Luis Montiero and His Party
Lisbon, Portugal – Prime Minister Luis Montiero, a moderate right-winger, led his party to victory in the recent anticipated legislative elections. However, his party, the ruling Democratic Alliance (AD), failed to secure a majority, necessitating coalition talks.
Election Results and Implications
According to near-complete official results, Montiero’s AD garnered 32.7% of the votes, compared to the Socialist Party’s 23.4% and the far-right Chega party’s 22.6%. Without the four overseas constituency seats yet to be allocated, the outgoing coalition secured 89 out of 230 seats, falling far short of the absolute majority of 116 seats.
Although far-right parties might hold the key to forming a government, Montiero has ruled out any alliance with Chega, labeling it as “unreliable” and “unfit to govern.”
Montiero’s Journey to the Elections
Montiero, a 52-year-old lawyer, sparked these early elections by resigning in March due to suspicions of a conflict of interest involving a consultancy firm registered at his home and in his children’s names.
The Portuguese public’s fatigue with repeated elections was reflected in the headline of Publico: “Vote Again.”
Need for Steady Leadership
The AD coalition formed a minority government after the last elections and managed to pass budgets that increased pensions and public sector salaries, thanks to the Socialists’ abstention in crucial votes.
However, relations between the two major parties have deteriorated, leaving it unclear if the weakened Socialists will allow the center-right to govern this time.
“I know Portuguese citizens are tired of elections and eager for stability,” Montiero stated, having been squeezed between Chega and the defeated Socialist Party in the 2024 elections after eight years in power.
Public Reaction and Future Uncertainty
In Lisbon, many Portuguese citizens expressed their disappointment with political leaders and exhaustion from frequent election calls.
“Enough is enough! We have new elections after a year, and everything will remain the same,” lamented José Silveira, a 56-year-old artisan in Lisbon’s city center.
“I hope a clear majority emerges so we can have some stability,” Fátima Lopes had commented earlier.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Prime Minister Luis Montiero? He is a 52-year-old moderate right-winger who led the ruling Democratic Alliance (AD) party in Portugal’s recent elections.
- What were the election results? The AD obtained 32.7% of the votes, while the Socialist Party received 23.4%, and Chega, a far-right party, secured 22.6%. The AD fell short of an absolute majority.
- Why are new elections necessary? Montiero triggered these early elections by resigning in March due to conflict of interest allegations.
- What are the implications of the results? The weakened AD may need to form a coalition government, and relations between the two major parties have worsened, casting uncertainty over the next administration.
- How do Portuguese citizens feel about the elections? Many are exhausted from repeated election calls and disappointed with their political leaders, hoping for stability in the near future.
